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. 1990 Dec 14;250(4987):1556-8.
doi: 10.1126/science.250.4987.1556.

Evolution of a balanced sex ratio by frequency-dependent selection in a fish

D O Conover, D A Van Voorhees

Evolution of a balanced sex ratio by frequency-dependent selection in a fish

D O Conover et al. Science. .

Abstract

Balanced (1 to 1) sex ratios are thought to evolve by a process known as frequency- dependent selection of the minority sex. Five populations of a fish with genetically based variation in temperature-dependent sex determination were maintained for 5 to 6 years in artificial constant-temperature environments that initially caused the sex ratio to be highly skewed. Increases in the proportion of the minority sex occurred in subsequent generations until a balanced sex ratio was established, thus confirming a central premise underlying the theory of sex-ratio evolution.

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